Aurora’s ‘work first’ homeless plan: How it will work

Photo byNick FewingsonUnsplash

The City of Aurora’s plan for a homeless navigation campus that focuses on “work first” is coming together.

The City Council will vote during its study session Monday on a resolution sponsored by council member Dustin Zvonek that spells out how the campus will operate. “The City of Aurora wishes to pursue an alternative to the ‘Housing First’ approach, by setting requirements and expectations for housing to include participation in addiction recovery, mental health, and job training programs to better address homelessness,” the resolution states. “It is inhumane and economically unwise to allow individuals experiencing homelessness to remain on the streets, or simply offer unconditional housing, rather than providing them with the necessary support services that offer a structured path to self-sufficiency and housing.”

Supporters of ‘Housing First’ say it is a proven pathway to getting out of homelessness. They say unhoused people cannot concentrate on mental health or substance abuse treatment when they are unhoused.

Low barrier shelter, intermediate housing

According to the resolution, Aurora’s homeless navigation campus will be divided into three parts, including a low-barrier shelter. Adults experiencing homelessness will receive shelter seven days a week and must adhere to conduct rules. Entry to the campus is through a single point for safety. Guests receive an ID card for service access. Services include shelter, meals, showers, laundry, pet shelter, mail, coaching, and case management. On-campus agencies will offer various services. Shelter capacity will increase during inclement weather.

By engaging with case managers, shelter guests can upgrade their accommodations, according to the resolution. The “engaged semi-private congregate shelter” will be for guests who show a “willingness to participate in appropriate job training, while also receiving any necessary treatments to continue on the path toward self-sufficiency. Guests in tier two are required to participate with a case manager in establishing an action plan to determine what programs or services they will be required to participate in. Incentives include semi-private sleeping arrangements, personal storage, more meal options, less crowded facilities, and a dedicated case manager.”

Tier three, or off-campus housing, will be for participants who work full-time. Amenities would include a private room, laundry, cleaning, meals, coaching, and case management. Participants would pay 30% of their monthly income for rent. Participants could stay up to two years, according to the resolution. “The goal is self-sufficiency, market rate independent living off-campus with stability,” the resolution states.

Rooms for respite care provided

The campus also will include up to 20 rooms for respite care, or rehabilitation after surgery or another medical event. Up to 20 rooms will be reserved or respite care. “In exchange for providing respite rooms at the (navigation campus), local healthcare providers referring patients to the (navigation campus) for a respite room will be required to provide healthcare exams to the general population at the (navigation campus) utilizing an exam room set aside for such purposes.”